Ideas for exterior lights

[NXGTS]

My rough wiring is finished but before I drywall I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for controlling the exterior lights. I would like to run them off a timer or a photocell. A timer would probably be better because of the dark overcast days we have a lot. How do I go about wiring one in or does anyone have a suggestions for a product that is better than another?

It would be nice if I didn't have to go out there every night to turn them on and back in the morning to shut them off. Any suggestions to make this happen easily?

 

[Gregishome]

outdoor fixtures of choice on the soffits with motion detectors that have the built in photo cells. MD's come on when a motion larger than a pet is sensed, they have adjustable timing settings on how long you want the light on after it trips, etc.

 

[MissileTech]

I use Lights of America 9027 Fluorescent Fixtures to light the front and rear of my workshop. They are about $24 bucks at Amazon.com and you can get the bulbs at Walmart for about $7. Photocell controls on and off. Use 27 watts and provide a nice lit up area.
Front

Rear

 

[NXGTS]

I should have clarified. I already have the light fixtures. They are just standard exterior fixtures that match my house. I just want to control them somehow other than manually. I use CFLs in the house fixtures and just want the garage to be the same.

 

[dittle fart around]

A motion detector would turn them on when someone's out there and the timer will turn them on and off at the same time each day, a photo cell will turn them on when its dark and off when it's light. You figure out what's best for your setting. Like a switch, power would run to the device first then to your lights.

 

[SCWOOD]

I put in programmable light switch to control outside lights.Will not have motion lights drove my wife crazy animals trigger them sudden temp change made them go off.every time she thought some one was outside.price $20-$40 hope this helps!

 

[Nick DL]

Are the lights already connected to a switch? If so then you can do like SCWOOD suggested. I did that at my old house for the front door light. I put a programmable switch in place of the regular switch. It was powered by a 9 volt battery and it had multiple settings just like a home thermostat. I don't remember cost, but I don't believe that they are to expensive. I think Lutron makes them.

 

[NXGTS]

The lights will be connected to a switch. It sounds like the programable switch is the way to go. I don't want motion lights and my experience with photocells is that they are less than reliable. I looked at a couple of programables and it said it's load had to be 40W to be able to function properly. With a CFL that is a bit of an issue.

 

[knobby]

here is a link for a programmable switch but FWIW before you buy read over the programing instructions . if planning to use a florescent fixture outdoors its a good idea to check that it will work in winter temperatures as many wont light in subfreezing temps

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZPEDUQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I've got two carriage lamps outside my garage that are run through a timer...I love it...Forget the motion lights..I have them come on at 4:45 AM - 7:00 AM (Wife and I leave for work at 5:00 AM), then again at 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM...My next project will be to wire in a light fixture in the garage (Also attached to the timeer), so the light will be on in the garage when we leave for work....The timer was the best electrical improvement you can make...

 

[TAMPAGT07]

motion lights drove my wife crazy animals trigger them sudden temp change made them go off.every time she thought some one was outside

Yupp, my wife would make me get up everytime the lights would go on...A timer is the way to go...

 

[jomobco]

If you really want to get fancy:
http://www.homeseer.com/